Pune: Amid initial reports of kidnapping, former Maharashtra Minister Tanaji Sawant’s son, Rishiraj Sawant, has returned to Pune after his private flight to Bangkok was recalled.

Earlier in the day, Rishiraj went missing, leading to suspicions that he had been abducted. This prompted the Pune police to take immediate action, setting up checkpoints and launching an investigation. However, it was later revealed that he had boarded a private flight from Pune Airport to Bangkok.

Upon discovering his son’s departure, Tanaji Sawant alerted Maharashtra Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Union Minister Muralidhar Mohol. The flight, which had already reached the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, was ordered to land in Chennai. From there, it was further redirected to Pune, and Rishiraj arrived back in the city around 9 PM, accompanied by two friends.

Initially, the police had registered a kidnapping case at Sinhagad Road Police Station, but after learning that Rishiraj had willingly traveled with friends, suspicions of abduction were dismissed. His driver confirmed that he had dropped him at the airport along with two companions. However, Tanaji Sawant questioned why his son, who usually kept in regular contact, had left without informing him.

Reports indicate that the Bangkok trip cost ₹68 lakh, and Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol’s intervention helped recall the flight. Authorities will now interrogate all individuals involved to determine whether any legal violations occurred.

According to Additional Police Commissioner Ranjan Kumar Sharma, the police launched an immediate investigation after learning that Rishikesh Sawant had boarded an international flight. The Crime Branch is now handling the case, looking into:

• Where he went after being dropped off at the airport

• Who accompanied him on the trip

• Whether there was any foul play involved